Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Birmingham, Alabama

Every year, thousands of pedestrians are killed and tens of thousands more are seriously injured in traffic crashes across the country. When a pedestrian is injured in a crash, their earning potential can be severely diminished as a result of the injuries they sustain and the disabilities they develop.

If you or any of your loved ones are injured in a pedestrian accident, the personal injury attorneys of Mann & Potter, PC can help you. Over the past two decades, we have represented countless personal injury victims in Alabama and have recovered tens of millions of dollars in damages through settlements and trials.

Pedestrian Accidents in Alabama – What the Numbers Say

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that on average, 4,900 pedestrians are killed on our country’s roadways every year. In Alabama, pedestrian deaths have increased by more than 60% during the last 10 years.

• Drunk driving is responsible for nearly 50% of accidents in which pedestrians are killed.
• Close to 70% of pedestrian accidents occur at night.
• Nearly two-thirds of the victims in pedestrian accidents are men.
• Young children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to pedestrian accidents and account for a significant percentage of victims in such accidents.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Given below is a list of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents in the country.

• Intoxicated driving
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Not noticing pedestrians while making a left turn
• Not noticing pedestrians while backing up
• Not following the rules of the road – running a red light or a stop sign in particular

In some cases, pedestrians are also responsible for traffic crashes. For instance, many people have the bad habit of texting or talking on the phone while crossing the road, which increases the risk of an accident considerably.

Alabama Laws on Pedestrian Accidents

If you are injured or if someone in your family is killed in a pedestrian accident, you are required to file a personal injury lawsuit against the person responsible within two years from the date on which the accident occurred (in most cases).

Most importantly, Alabama applies the principle of ‘contributory negligence’ for personal injury cases. Under the doctrine of contributory negligence, a plaintiff has no right to recover damages from a defendant, if it is proven that their own actions contributed in any way to the accident.

For example, if you are hit by a speeding driver while trying to cross the road, you can file a lawsuit against the driver and seek damages. If, however, you were texting, talking on the phone, or distracted for any other reason, and as a result failed to see the oncoming vehicle, the driver’s lawyer might attempt to establish that your own negligence contributed to the accident. As a result, you might not be able to recover any sort of compensatory damage from the defendant.

This is why it’s essential for you to have a skilled and experienced attorney by your side, if you are thinking of filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit against someone in Alabama.

We at Mann & Potter, PC have been personal injury attorneys for decades, and we know all the possible arguments that a defendant’s lawyer is likely to make in order to convince the jury or judge that you were partly or fully responsible for your own injuries. We can not only establish the negligence or willful actions of the defendant, but also defend you against the claims made by the defendant’s lawyer and ensure that you are compensated for the injuries and other losses caused by the accident.

How to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents?

There are many steps that drivers as well as pedestrians can take in order to reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.

For Drivers

• Do not drink, take prescription pills, or do drugs before you drive. Consuming alcohol – in particular – can slow down your reflexes and reaction time, making it impossible for you to take evasive maneuvers if and when needed to avoid a collision.
• Do not speed, especially if you are drunk. It is a lethal combination which is known to increase the risk of vehicular and pedestrian accidents significantly.
• Avoid chatting with the passengers, texting, talking on the phone, eating, or doing anything that requires you to take your eyes off the road – even if it is for a few seconds.
• Watch out for pedestrians while backing up and while making left turns.
• Slow down when you are driving in school zones, playgrounds, parks, and other places where young children might be present.
• If it is raining or snowing, slow down to the extent possible and look for pedestrians and cyclists, especially at crosswalks and intersections.

For Pedestrians

• Never, ever assume that a driver might be able to see you. You might be in the driver’s blind spot or the driver might be too distracted to notice your presence. So, unless you make eye contact with a driver, do not assume that they have noticed your presence.
• Do not chat with other pedestrians, text, talk on the phone, listen to music, or do anything that might distract you – especially while crossing the road.
• Make sure you are facing traffic while walking, jogging, or running.
• Watch out for hybrid cars and battery powered cars that do not tend to make a lot of noise.
• Do not consume alcohol, take prescription pills, do drugs, or do anything that can impair your sense of judgment or affect your motor skills, balance, and coordination.

What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident, act quickly to protect yourself and your right to seek compensation. Call the police to report the accident and facilitate a safe exchange of information. Some drivers will attempt to leave the scene of the crash before giving you their contact or insurance information, so make sure you get that information as soon as possible. You will also want to seek medical treatment right away. These collisions can cause life-threatening injuries and identifying an injury early can help you get the care you need to recover.

Pedestrian Accident Lawyers in Alabama

If you are a victim of a pedestrian accident in Alabama, you might be able to recover compensatory damages from the driver who caused the accident. We have a long track record of success in this field, and we will fight for every dollar of compensation you deserve. You pay us nothing up front – we only win if you win.

To explore your legal options and to find out how our personal injury lawyers can help you, contact Mann & Potter, PC at 205-879-9661 for a free consultation.

We also handle the following cases:

pedestrian accidents in Tuscaloosa.

pedestrian accidents in Tuskegee.

pedestrian accidents in Hoover.